Semi-rigid plate for golf footwear

ABSTRACT

A semi-rigid plate configured for placement inside a footwear such as a sandal, extending throughout a sole of the sandal, wherein the semi-rigid plate forms a plurality of holes for receiving a plurality of spike receptacles for securing a plurality of golf spikes.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to footwear. More specifically, the invention relates to a semi-rigid plate specifically adapted for playing golf to be inserted within the sole shoe such as a flip-flop types sandal.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Conventional golf shoes typically resemble a common shoe and incorporate spikes for greater traction when swinging a golf club. Spikes help a golfer achieve greater traction when swinging a golf club. While golf is also played for competition, the majority of golfers play for recreation, exercise and socialization. Therefore, many golfers are interested in looking stylish and wearing a shoe that provide maximum comfort, such as a flip flop sandal. Golfers may also intend to wear street shoes, vans, converse, dress shoes, or any other shoe that they see fit.

As a result, there is a need in the art for a plate to be inserted into a shoe sole specifically adapted for the game of golf.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a semi rigid plate for use in footwear, such as a flip flop sandal shoe. In one embodiment, a semi-rigid plate is inserted within the sole of a flip-flop type shoe such that the semi-rigid plate provides increased stability and a base for securing golf spikes (or soft spike type spikes) to the flip-flop type footwear, so that the flip-flop type footwear may be advantageously worn while playing golf.

One embodiment of the present invention discloses a method of forming a golf footwear, the method comprising: providing a semi-rigid plate extending throughout a sole of the footwear; providing an upper sole portion comprising a flexible moldable material; providing a lower sole portion comprising a flexible, resilient and moldable material; and positioning the semi-rigid plate between upper sole portion and the lower sole portion, wherein the semi-rigid plate extends throughout a length of the sole, and wherein the semi-rigid plate forms a plurality of holes for receiving a plurality of spike receptacles. In a further embodiment, the golf footwear is a flip flop golf-sandal. In alternative embodiments, the semi-rigid plate could be place in the soles of street shoes, dress shoes, casual, as well as semi casual.

In one embodiment, the flip-flop type footwear comprises a semi-rigid plate throughout the sole, wherein the semi-rigid plate forms a plurality of holes for receiving a plurality of spike receptacles for securing a plurality of golf spikes.

In further embodiments, the semi-rigid plate may be formed of fiberglass or carbon fiber. In alternative embodiments, the semi-rigid plate may be formed of plastic.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

The following drawings form part of the present specification and are included to further demonstrate certain aspects of the present invention. The invention may be better understood by reference to one or more of these drawings in combination with the detailed description of specific embodiments presented below.

FIG. 1 discloses a thin semi-rigid plate that is to fit into a sandal shoe according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 discloses a side angle of the thin semi-rigid plate according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 discloses receptacles which are then glued into the plate according to an embodiment of the invention

FIG. 4 discloses bottom view of a sandal with the receptacles exposed according to an embodiment of the invention

FIG. 5 discloses the spikes after insertion into the receptacles according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 shows a side angle of the golf sandal according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

While the foregoing written description of the invention enables one of ordinary skill to make and use what is considered presently to be the best mode thereof, those of ordinary skill will understand and appreciate the existence of variations, combinations, and equivalents of the specific embodiment, method, and examples herein. The invention should therefore not be limited by the above described embodiment, method, and examples, but by all embodiments and methods within the scope and spirit of the invention as claimed.

An embodiment of the present invention comprises a semi-rigid plate to be inserted within the sole of an item of footwear, such as flip-flop type shoe. In one embodiment, the plate comprises carbon fiber. In another embodiment, the plate comprises fiberglass. In alternative embodiments, the semi-rigid plate may be formed of plastic. The plate contains holes for receptacles into which golf spikes can be inserted.

FIG. 1 discloses a semi-rigid plate 102 that is to fit into a sandal shoe according to an embodiment of the present invention. This plate will go between the sole padding on top and the bottom of a sandal shoe. Semi-rigid plate 102 contains a plurality of holes 104 for fitting receptacles. Semi-rigid plate is intended to fit into the sole of a sandal shoe according to an embodiment of the present invention. This plate will go between the sole padding on top and the bottom of a sandal shoe. The sole padding is preferably molded from a resilient and flexible thermoset polymer. In alternative embodiments, the plate is fit in between casual dress shoes.

FIG. 2 discloses a side angle of a semi-rigid plate 202 according to an embodiment of the invention. In one embodiment, the thickness of the plate is 1/32 inches. The semi-rigid plate 202 is positioned between an upper sole 204 on top and the bottom sole 206 of a sandal shoe. Bottom sole 206 has holes which match up with those of plate 202. The sandal also contains a strap 208. In one embodiment, the sole of a commercially available shoe such as a flip flop is cut in half to form the upper padding portion and a lower padding portion, and the plate is inserted between the upper portion or the lower portion. The plate could be glued, molded, screwed, or affixed in any other manner currently known in the art. It can be appreciated that providing a thin semi-rigid plate allows flexibility, support, and comfort when playing golf.

FIG. 3 discloses receptacles 302 for golf spikes which are to be positioned into the plate 304 according to an embodiment of the invention. In one embodiment, the receptacles are glued to the plate with a very strong but flexible adhesive. Examples of such an adhesive include glue. In one embodiment, the receptacles are configured to allow spikes to be screwed in. In alternative embodiments, the spikes are popped in. The spikes will provide additional traction for the flip flop sandal wearer, particularly when swinging a golf club.

FIG. 4 discloses bottom view of a sandal 402 with the receptacles 404 exposed according to an embodiment of the invention. It can be appreciated that as the holes in the bottom sole are matched up with the receptacles located on the semi-rigid plate, the spikes can be easily and conveniently inserted and removed at will. It can further be appreciated that the spikes can be screwed off, such that the they may be replaced when worn or that the wearer can even wear the flip flop sandal without spikes no longer playing golf.

FIG. 5 discloses a bottom view of a sandal 500 with spikes 502 are inserted, according to an embodiment of the present invention. This sandal can now be worn by a golf player and affords the benefits described above.

FIG. 6 shows a side angle of a sandal 600 according to an embodiment of the present invention. A semi-rigid plate 602 is inserted between upper sole 604 and lower sole 606. Spikes 610 have been inserted into the receptacles affixed to plate 602. A v-shaped strap 608 is affixed to upper sole 605. In alternative embodiments, the semi-rigid plate can be inserted in the sole of a casual shoe, a dress shoe, another commonly available type of footwear. In an alternative embodiment, the plates come in different sizes to match the size of sole of the shoe.

One embodiment of the present invention discloses a method of forming a golf sandal-type footwear, the method comprising: providing a semi-rigid plate extending throughout a sole of the footwear; providing an upper sole portion comprising a flexible moldable material; providing a lower sole portion comprising a flexible, resilient and moldable material; and positioning the semi-rigid plate between upper sole portion and the lower sole portion, wherein the semi-rigid plate extends throughout a length of the sole, and wherein the semi-rigid plate forms a plurality of holes for receiving a plurality of spike receptacles.

While the specific embodiments have been illustrated and described, numerous modifications come to mind without significantly departing from the spirit of the invention, and the scope of protection is only limited by the scope of the accompanying claims. 

1. A sandal-type golf footwear comprising: an upper sole portion comprising a flexible and moldable material; a lower sole portion comprising a flexible and moldable material; a semi-rigid plate positioned between the upper sole portion and the lower sole portion, wherein the semi-rigid plate includes a plurality of holes for receiving a plurality of spike receptacles configured to secure a plurality of golf spikes, and the lower sole portion includes a plurality of holes which match up with the plurality of holes of the semi-rigid plate.
 2. The sandal-type footwear of claim 1, wherein the semi-rigid plate comprises carbon fiber.
 3. The sandal-type footwear of claim 2, further comprising a plurality of spike receptacles, wherein each spike receptacle is fit into each hole of the plurality of holes.
 4. The sandal-type footwear of claim 3, wherein the plurality of spike receptacles are glued to the semi-rigid plate.
 5. A method of forming a golf footwear, the method comprising: providing a semi-rigid plate extending throughout a sole of the footwear; providing an upper sole portion comprising a flexible moldable material; providing a lower sole portion comprising a flexible, resilient and moldable material; positioning the semi-rigid plate between upper sole portion and the lower sole portion, wherein the semi-rigid plate extends throughout a length of the sole, and wherein the semi-rigid plate forms a plurality of holes for receiving a plurality of spike receptacles.
 6. The method of claim 5, further comprising providing a plurality of spike receptacles for securing a plurality of golf spikes, each spike receptacle fit into each of the plurality of holes.
 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the upper sole portion and lower sole portion are formed by cutting a sole of a commercially available footwear in half.
 8. The method of claim 7, wherein the commercially available footwear is a sandal.
 9. The method of claim 7, wherein the commercially available footwear is a dress-shoe.
 10. The method of claim 7, wherein the commercially available footwear is a casual shoe. 